Koné on the market as Premier League circles, Roma scouts replacements

Roma came close to signing English winger Djed Spence from Tottenham but ultimately opted for Nahuel Molina instead, according to comments made by journalist Riccardo Trevisani on radio station Manà Manà Sport. The club had reached an agreement with Tottenham on the basis of €32 million plus €4 million in bonuses, Trevisani revealed, but chose to abandon the move in favour of the Argentine right-back. Financial considerations drove the change in strategy. The Molina transfer presented lower costs and allowed Roma's management to preserve greater financial flexibility for additional market investments. Spence subsequently joined Inter, while Roma pursued Molina to reinforce the right flank. The shift represented a significant moment in the summer window, when Roma's recruitment direction could have taken an entirely different path. Treeisani made the comments during his appearance on the radio programme. The revelation underscores how close Roma came to committing substantial resources to Spence before pivoting to a more economical option that afforded the club greater room to operate elsewhere in the transfer market.

Kostas Tsimikas could be offered a fresh chance in Serie A after his difficult spell at Roma. The left-back has returned to Liverpool but has caught the attention of Juventus, who are searching for a deputy to Cambiaso. Massara, who brought Tsimikas to Roma last summer, could reunite with the defender at Turin. According to Corriere dello Sport, Juventus view Tsimikas as a low-cost option to strengthen their defence. The move would also reunite him with Zeki Çelik, who transferred to Juventus in early July. Tsimikas arrived at Roma on loan from Liverpool ahead of the 2025–26 season but struggled during his time in the capital.

Roma are actively pursuing both Aurélien Fofana and Franck Kessié in the final days of the transfer window, according to multiple commentators on Roman radio on 27 August. Mario Corsi stated: "The situation is this: in these hours people are talking about Fofana and Kessié, Roma is absolutely trying to take them. I'm telling you that Roma is absolutely trying, and something will definitely come out. Then maybe it could be other names, but they'll do something good." Corsi added that if Roma sign both players, there is no reason not to discuss a title challenge, noting: "The only team that has four strong strikers is Inter. I have terrible tension in these last four days because it changes the thinking on the shield." The Fofana deal appears structured as a loan with an obligation to buy triggered by a set number of appearances, rather than an outright €35 million plus bonuses transfer from Lyon. Francesca Ferrazza explained: "Fofana has an important history of injuries, and for this reason they are working on the formula: a loan that then becomes an obligation to buy at a certain number of matches. With players who have this history of injuries you have to be cautious, and for this reason the operation is complicated." She urged swift decisions from the ownership: "Let's hope the Friedkins are quick to give answers to D'Amico and Gasperini to green-light the operations." On Jayden Oosterwolde, Checco Oddo Casano reported: "The situation has been clear since yesterday, but Roma still hasn't decided. The medical staff has expressed their doubts saying: 'Are you really sure you want to take this risk?' I honestly wouldn't take this risk, but then you have to see if you have an alternative ready, because today is 27 August and there is little time." Lorenzo Pes suggested negotiations with Fenerbahçe were ongoing to adjust terms: contacts have resumed "to change the cost of the loan, which will not be expensive but free, and on the number of appearances for the obligation to buy." Separately, speculation around Neil El Aynaoui's future prompted comment. Piero Torri stated: "I'm trying to understand something about El Aynaoui, because the story is building that he could leave Roma. The agent says quite decisively that he stays at Roma. There has been talk of Saudi Arabia and Crystal Palace, but I haven't found evidence." Ilario Di Giovambattista weighed in on Roma's overall strength: "Roma has shown they have a crazy defence—I don't see a better one in Italy. The attack is the best in Serie A along with Inter. Even like this Roma can fight for the title."

Roma are actively negotiating with Lyon to bring down their asking price for midfielder Aurélien Fofana, according to radio pundit Aspri speaking on Radio Radio on 26 August. Aspri stated that the next 24–48 hours would be crucial in persuading Lyon to lower their valuation. If the deal can be completed, Fofana would become Roma's primary attacking midfield target following the recent arrival of Rodrigo Mora. Aspri explained that Gasperini has clear preferences in midfield but faces a delicate balancing act. "Gasperini has the hierarchies very clear," Aspri said. "If someone like Kessié were to arrive, the midfield would become very substantial. There's Juventus and competition that, on paper, is impractical for Roma, but the news is true. Gasperini's doubts concern Kessié's physical condition — he has great affection for the player, but the operation is complicated and interesting because it would change the hierarchies." Aspri added: "The question is: what does Roma want to aim for? Someone like Kessié you must have." On the Fofana situation, he said: "Roma is trying to trim things to satisfy the board. They're working on Fofana, trying to lower the figure Lyon is asking for: if it can be done, then Fofana will be the 'Lookman' of this situation." Camelio, also speaking on Radio Radio, suggested that Kessié remains a possibility if Neil El Aynaoui departs the club. Camelio stated: "I don't see El Aynaoui concentrated: if he leaves, Kessié is a possibility." He went on to outline his preferred shape: "I would play with four at the back and three midfielders: Kessié, Cristante and Koné." Camelio also noted that Roma are seeking to alter the terms of the Fofana deal with Lyon, which as currently structured Roma had not approved. Other commentators debated the merits of the squad's composition, with Melli arguing Roma are already strong enough and questioning whether Kessié should be pursued at all given Juventus' rival interest. Vocalelli highlighted the broader congestion in Roma's attacking positions: "There's a bit of overbooking in the attacking midfielders: Mora, Dybala, Soulé, Pellegrini and the arrival of Fofana." He suggested that any move to bring in Fofana might be linked to Soulé's potential departure, which would create space in the squad. The discussion underscored that Roma's transfer strategy remains fluid, with decisions on multiple fronts — including the Fofana fee, El Aynaoui's future, and potential outgoings — still unresolved.

Andrea Stramaccioni, analysing Roma's 24 August fixture against Fiorentina for DAZN, praised the team's physical condition and intensity, highlighting their high press and defensive organisation. Speaking to Teleradiostereo, he drew particular attention to Paulo Dybala's form. "I played against Gasperini at Palermo when he had Dybala, and what I saw on Monday reminds me exactly of that Paulo in terms of athletic condition," Stramaccioni said. The former coach emphasised the importance of Roma's core group of Italian players and their leadership. "The block of Italians is important. From outside it's hard to understand how important it is to have a tested group that guides the dressing room and would throw themselves in the fire for the coach," he stated. He noted Bryan Cristante's defensive positioning and highlighted Manu Koné as operating "in world form," questioning why France manager Deschamps did not field him in the semi-final. Stramaccioni also praised Santiago Castro, noting Gasperini "almost had to hold Castro back" given the Argentine's eagerness, and spoke of a strong Argentine contingent within the squad driving exceptional desire. Stramaccioni identified a left winger as the missing piece for Roma to harbour serious title ambitions under Gasperini. "Gasperini played Champions League and knows you need two squads. He always says value comes from those in front, it's not rocket science. He won at Atalanta with three strikers; he wants two per role now. Right now one is missing—someone more capable of starting from the left. Today both Dybala and Soulé migrate out but prefer to start from the right. Mora I like very much, but another is needed on the centre-left." Regarding squad development, Stramaccioni noted Lulli's backstory: "His is a nice story. He comes from Palestrina, was enrolled at Roma's Acquacetosa football school and had to quit because of distance from home. Now he's returned and is reaping the rewards." Looking at the transfer window closing days, Stramaccioni said Inter are defined as complete, while Juventus still seek both a striker and midfielder. "Roma I don't think will take a starting player, but they need to complete the squad," he concluded.

Roma's radio commentators have dissected the club's transfer position and recent on-field performance in a wide-ranging discussion centred on left-back Jayden Oosterwolde's medical status, midfielder Franck Kessié's availability and an ongoing push to strengthen the forward line. Oosterwolde suffered an injury on 5 August initially thought minor, but subsequent assessments suggest a tendon issue that could sideline him for five to eight weeks, pointing towards a late September or mid-October return. David Rossi of Rete Sport said: "On Oosterwolde there are further medical examinations; the Fenerbahce had sent documents to Roma to say 'look, everything is fine' and that could have raised more concerns at Trigoria. I think Lulli's performance the other night has caused Roma some doubts." The injury timeline and medical uncertainty have reportedly prompted Roma to seek clarity on his availability before finalising any deal. The debate on Kessié centred on whether his reported availability at no cost represents value. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo argued: "This was El Aynaoui's moment—he played in the cup and was praised as one of his country's best midfielders, and it seems he asked Roma for a starting position. That means he'd have to sit out either Cristante or Koné, and I think Gasperini will never leave those two out right now. For that reason Roma told him to find another solution without any hard feelings. Kessié at no cost I'd agree with, but I don't think he'll settle for one and a half million. For me El Aynaoui is better—he's younger, a different prospect." Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo added: "Kessié is very close to Juventus; you'd have to prize him away from them, but I don't know if that's possible. Kessié is 29 and I checked his injury history—he's never had any particular problems. It surprises me; it probably comes from the player's unhappiness, because Gasperini had said the midfield package was what it was. It surprises me that now this midfield problem emerges, given that Roma already has other things to solve and needs to complete its market." Radio voices also highlighted the possibility of late-window movement on the wing, with alternatives such as Nusa (now out of budget following RB Leipzig's salary restructuring after the Diomande sale), Fofana, and unconfirmed targets discussed. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said Roma has "the intention" to add an attacking winger in the final days of the window, while Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio highlighted Paulo Dybala's fitness as "the thing I liked most," noting Gasperini's suggestion the forward could handle extra time.

Zibi Boniek has backed Roma to fight for the Serie A title, saying the club can compete at the highest level after a strong start to the season. Speaking to Retesport, Boniek praised recent arrivals and squad depth while identifying a priority for the transfer market. "We start brilliantly with a beautiful match. Roma can fight for the top because it only has Inter ahead of it, we're on the same level as the other big clubs," Boniek said. He argued that Roma do not lack a left winger but rather need "another strong number 8", adding that any top-quality player arriving will strengthen the team. He singled out recent debutant Lulli for his fearlessness and praised Santiago Castro as "a serious and genuine striker", though he must wait his turn with Donyell Malen in imperious form and Paulo Dybala in "perfect connection" with him. On academy defender Jan Ziółkowski, Boniek confirmed the young Pole is set to leave on loan to develop regularly elsewhere. He also highlighted Niccolò Pisilli as "the most dangerous midfielder in the squad" who sees goal, saying: "If he plays as a starter he'll bring home 8–10 goals, he will have his space in a strong department."

Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen combined to destroy Fiorentina 4–0 at the Olimpico in Roma's seasonal opener, with the Argentine supplying three assists for Malen's hat-trick before Niccolò Pisilli added a fourth. The rout showcased the potency of the attacking pair after Roma finished third last May. Gian Piero Gasperini cautioned restraint despite the dominant display, but the statistics underline an exceptional understanding between the two forwards. Across eight appearances together—six as starters and two as substitutes—Malen has scored seven goals, six of them directly from Dybala's passes plus one penalty. The scale of the victory extended beyond the partnership alone, with the entire squad delivering a comprehensive performance, yet the chemistry between Dybala and Malen invites comparison to the great striking duos of Italian football history, from Pulici-Graziani and Mancini-Vialli to the celebrated forward pairings that have defined Roma across the decades. The Dybala-Malen axis now shapes itself as the driving force behind Roma's championship ambitions this season.

Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen combined to dismantle Fiorentina on Monday evening, with the Argentine providing three assists for three Malen goals in Roma's 4–0 victory at the Olimpico. Niccolò Pisilli added the fourth. The pairing has now played together as starters in six matches—plus two further substitute appearances—and the record speaks clearly: seven goals from Malen, six of them from Dybala assists and one from the penalty spot. The result marks a strong start to Roma's campaign following their third-place finish last May. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini holds a formidable attacking partnership in hand, one that allows him to play his game without needing to bluff for long. The Olimpico provided the backdrop as Roma's ambitions were renewed. Though it was only the opening round of the season, the early chemistry between Dybala and Malen suggests Roma have found a potent formula at the sharp end. Simone Valdarchi, writing in the Corriere della Sera, cautioned that drawing the entire Roma–Fiorentina contest down to the Dybala–Malen axis would be misleading. Still, the pairing has drawn comparisons to Roma's celebrated attacking duos of the past—Pulici and Graziani, and Mancini and Vialli—as part of the club's rich tradition of important strike partnerships.

Roma are actively pursuing both Aurélien Fofana and Franck Kessié in the final days of the transfer window, according to multiple commentators on Roman radio on 27 August. Mario Corsi stated: "The situation is this: in these hours people are talking about Fofana and Kessié, Roma is absolutely trying to take them. I'm telling you that Roma is absolutely trying, and something will definitely come out. Then maybe it could be other names, but they'll do something good." Corsi added that if Roma sign both players, there is no reason not to discuss a title challenge, noting: "The only team that has four strong strikers is Inter. I have terrible tension in these last four days because it changes the thinking on the shield." The Fofana deal appears structured as a loan with an obligation to buy triggered by a set number of appearances, rather than an outright €35 million plus bonuses transfer from Lyon. Francesca Ferrazza explained: "Fofana has an important history of injuries, and for this reason they are working on the formula: a loan that then becomes an obligation to buy at a certain number of matches. With players who have this history of injuries you have to be cautious, and for this reason the operation is complicated." She urged swift decisions from the ownership: "Let's hope the Friedkins are quick to give answers to D'Amico and Gasperini to green-light the operations." On Jayden Oosterwolde, Checco Oddo Casano reported: "The situation has been clear since yesterday, but Roma still hasn't decided. The medical staff has expressed their doubts saying: 'Are you really sure you want to take this risk?' I honestly wouldn't take this risk, but then you have to see if you have an alternative ready, because today is 27 August and there is little time." Lorenzo Pes suggested negotiations with Fenerbahçe were ongoing to adjust terms: contacts have resumed "to change the cost of the loan, which will not be expensive but free, and on the number of appearances for the obligation to buy." Separately, speculation around Neil El Aynaoui's future prompted comment. Piero Torri stated: "I'm trying to understand something about El Aynaoui, because the story is building that he could leave Roma. The agent says quite decisively that he stays at Roma. There has been talk of Saudi Arabia and Crystal Palace, but I haven't found evidence." Ilario Di Giovambattista weighed in on Roma's overall strength: "Roma has shown they have a crazy defence—I don't see a better one in Italy. The attack is the best in Serie A along with Inter. Even like this Roma can fight for the title."

Roma have moved concretely into the race for Franck Kessie, the 29-year-old Ivorian midfielder available on a free transfer after his spell in Saudi Arabia. The club met Kessie's agent George Atangana in Rome on Tuesday with an offer reported to match Juventus's proposal, though Juventus holds the advantage through a preliminary agreement with the player. Roma would need to sell Neil El Aynaoui first to make room, and Kessie's wage demand of approximately €4.5 million per season is considered high against the club's salary structure. El Aynaoui's position remains uncertain in the final days of the window. The feeling between the 25-year-old and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly never fully blossomed, and Roma could consider selling him if an offer around €30 million arrives—though no such bid has materialized yet. His departure would unlock funds for a midfield reinforcement, with Kessie among the names under evaluation. Meanwhile, attacker Malick Fofana's path has reopened with Lyon's elimination from the Champions League forcing the French club to raise funds. Roma reached agreement with Fofana's representatives some time ago, and the 21-year-old Belgian is awaiting a signal from the club. Lyon is asking around €35 million, a figure within Roma's annual parameters. On the left wing, Roma are monitoring 18-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, available from Paris Saint-Germain and viewed as a possible alternative should primary options not materialize. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, 22, remains the main alternative to Fofana for attack reinforcement, but Chelsea rejected Roma's proposal of a loan with a purchase option worth approximately €45 million in total, demanding either a permanent sale or an obligation to buy. Roma continue to keep the channel with London open, though the negotiation is complicated. Defensively, Roma are accelerating for Morato, 25, a central defender at Nottingham Forest earmarked to replace Jan Ziółkowski. A preliminary agreement has been reached; the formula discussed is a loan with a purchase option around €15 million, convertible to an obligation under certain conditions. Ziółkowski's departure to Monza on loan is nearing completion, with economic terms potentially tied to his appearances. A decisive update on left-back Jayden Oosterwolde is expected today after medical checks revealed his biceps femoris injury requires recovery of approximately one to one-and-a-half months—longer than initially indicated by Fenerbahce. Roma have reopened negotiations on the loan structure, discussing possible removal of the loan fee and an increase in the number of appearances required to trigger the purchase obligation from the initially planned 15–20 matches of at least 45 minutes to approximately 25–30.

Roma have made a concrete move for Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié, with the club presenting a contract proposal to his agent on 25 August in an attempt to pre-empt Juventus. The approach marks a significant escalation beyond exploratory contact, as Roma seek to reunite Kessié with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who worked with him at Atalanta. However, no agreement has been reached; Juventus retains the advantage in Kessié's preferences and has intensified talks following Roma's bid. The midfielder, a former Atalanta and Milan player, would strengthen Roma's midfield without requiring a transfer fee. Director Tony D'Amico has moved to establish whether the conditions exist to bring Kessié back to Serie A. The contract terms and Kessié's final response remain undisclosed. Roma remain in contention but currently trail Juventus in the player's calculations. A potential Kessié arrival could trigger a cascade of further market activity. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the signing might alter the status of Neil El Aynaoui, the Moroccan winger who could become available if an economically significant offer materialises. Should El Aynaoui depart, the proceeds would fund Roma's final major attacking objective at a moment when UEFA settlement restrictions are constraining the club's investment capacity. Neither an offer for El Aynaoui nor a definitive Roma decision on his future has been formally tabled. D'Amico's strategy aims to complete Gasperini's requested squad by assembling a free agent midfielder, potentially monetising an attacking player, and reinvesting the funds on an offensive flank—a sequence designed to navigate UEFA's economic controls without collision. The pathway hinges on convincing Kessié to choose Roma over Juventus.